This wonderful program happens weekly on Tuesday afternoons at UCP of Southern Arizona.. The Hermitage Cat Shelter has teamed up with the Autism Society of Southern Arizona to create a new interactive program for children called Purrs for Autism. The mission of Purrs for Autism is to improve the lives of children living with autism and homeless at-risk felines by providing a nurturing environment where children with autism will learn empathy, animal care, and preparing cats for adoption.

Children ages 6 – 18yrs old, living with autism, are encouraged to visit the shelter on a weekly basis to spend therapeutic time with the shelter’s residents – cats. Participants can experience the benefits of animal therapy, including an increase in self-confidence, communication skills, and the ability to focus with no threat of feeling overwhelmed, judged, or uncomfortable. For more information contact ASSA or the Hermitage Cat Shelter at 520-571-7839 or visit www.hermitagecatshelter.org.